"We need to continue the dialogue with Russia. Finland adheres to the EU’s policy of sanctions that was introduced in the wake of Ukrainian conflict. And regrettably, the implementation of the Minsk agreements, upon which the lifting of sanctions depends, remains stuck in the mud. Nevertheless, isolating Russia is not in anyone's interest and that is why we need to communicate", Sipila stressed.

He noted that Finland in particular "had been able to keep in contact with Russia in different situations". The PM also reiterated that in October the European Council plans to hold talks on the EU’s relations with Russia.